Can you unlock a deceased spouses phone?

My husband took his own life in September leaving two young daughters. I need to by pass his code on an i phone 5 in order to retrieve our family photos, email account details, bank details, Facebook account etc. The family photos are very important particularly for my daughters, along with his music which holds many memories for all of us. Finally, I would also like to piece together the last hours of his life to enable me to complete my own healing process. I have visited an Apple Genius Bar with all the relevant documentation including the orginial Death Certificate. I was informed that it was impossible to by pass the code unless I was a representing a criminal investigation department. So firstly it is therefore possible for Apple to unlock an i phone, and secondly it is a disgrace that Apple are so unhelpful and refuse to help me and many others in a similiar situation. Why is this? It is difficult enough coping with the loss of a loved one without the added frustration and heartache of being unable to retrieve important information in order to move forwards. When are Apple going to start showing a human face instead of behaving like robots with no consideration for their customers and their needs. I have written to my local MP and I will be lobbying to get support from other influential people.